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Analysis of DNA Helical Structure by Circular dichroism (CD) (CAT#: STEM-MB-0630-WXH)

Introduction

Double helix, as related to genomics, is a term used to describe the physical structure of DNA. A DNA molecule is made up of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder in a helix-like shape. Each strand has a backbone made of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups.




Principle

Circular dichroism (CD) is a spectroscopy technique that measures the absorption difference between left and right circularly polarized light. By symmetry, this asymmetric absorption can only occur for asymmetric molecules, meaning chiral molecules.

Applications

Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is a powerful technique that is sensitive to the chirality (handedness) of molecules. It can be used to study absolute stereochemistry, enantiomeric composition, racemization, enantiomeric differentiation, and molecular interactions and conformation.

Procedure

1. Sample preparation
2. Measurement by CD instrument
3. Data analysis

Materials

Circular dichroism (CD) spectrophotometer